If you’re a cider enthusiast like me, you’ve probably enjoyed a glass or two of Strongbow. This popular British cider is known for its crisp, refreshing flavour and balanced sweetness.
It’s no wonder that it’s a go-to for many cider drinkers. But if you’re in the mood to explore something different, yet similar, you’ve come to the right place.
Today, I’ll be introducing you to five fantastic alternatives to Strongbow, each bringing their unique character to the table. We’ll be diving into the world of Angry Orchard Crisp Apple, Woodchuck Granny Smith, Bulmers Original, Magners Original Irish Cider, and finally, Blackthorn Cider. So, let’s embark on this cider-tasting journey together!
1. Angry Orchard Crisp Apple
Angry Orchard Crisp Apple is a cider I often recommend to those who love Strongbow. Produced in the USA, this cider is made from a blend of apples including Fuji, Golden Delicious, and Granny Smith. Just like Strongbow, it offers a crisp, apple-forward taste and a refreshing finish.
The first thing you’ll notice when you take a sip of Angry Orchard Crisp Apple is its robust apple flavour. It’s a bit sweeter than Strongbow, making it a great choice for those who prefer their cider on the sweeter side. Despite the sweetness, it still retains a certain crispness that makes it incredibly refreshing.
2. Woodchuck Granny Smith
Woodchuck Granny Smith is another American cider that deserves to be on this list. Made from 100% Granny Smith apples, it brings a distinctive tartness that sets it apart from other ciders.
The moment you take a sip of Woodchuck Granny Smith, you’ll be greeted with a tart apple flavour reminiscent of biting into a fresh Granny Smith apple. This is followed by a subtle sweetness, resulting in a balanced and enjoyable taste experience. If you’re a fan of Strongbow but crave a bit more tartness, this could be the cider for you.
3. Bulmers Original
Bulmers Original is a classic British cider that shares a lot of similarities with Strongbow. Produced in Herefordshire, it’s made from 17 varieties of apples, resulting in a complex and layered flavour.
Bulmers Original offers a lovely balance of sweetness and acidity, similar to Strongbow. It has a deep apple flavour that’s enhanced by a hint of oak. The finish is clean and dry, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a less sweet cider.
4. Magners Original Irish Cider
Coming from Ireland, Magners Original Irish Cider is a delightful cider that holds its own against Strongbow. It’s produced using 17 varieties of apples, giving it a rich and full-bodied flavour.
Magners Original Irish Cider boasts a deep apple flavour with a slight hint of pear. It’s also slightly less sweet than Strongbow, with a dry finish that leaves you wanting more. If you like Strongbow but want to try something a bit drier, Magners could be the perfect choice.
5. Blackthorn Cider
Last but not least, we have Blackthorn Cider. This is another British cider that’s often compared to Strongbow. Made in Somerset, Blackthorn is known for its robust and full-bodied flavour.
Blackthorn offers a bold apple flavour with a nice balance of sweetness and bitterness. It’s a bit stronger than Strongbow, both in terms of flavour and alcohol content, which makes it a great option for those who prefer a more robust cider.
Conclusion
There you have it, five fantastic ciders that offer a great alternative to Strongbow. Each one has its unique taste profile, but all share that refreshing apple flavour that we love in a good cider. Whether you prefer your cider sweet, tart, or dry, there’s something on this list for you.
From my personal experience, all these ciders are worth exploring.
But if I were to pick one that I’d recommend you try first, it would be Angry Orchard Crisp Apple. Its robust apple flavour, balanced sweetness, and refreshing finish make it a standout in the world of ciders. But don’t just take my word for it, give it a try and see for yourself!
FAQs
What does Strongbow cider taste like?
Strongbow cider is a crisp and refreshing beverage with a distinct apple flavor. It has a balance of sweetness and tartness, offering a pleasant and slightly dry taste.
Is Strongbow an apple cider?
Yes, Strongbow is an apple cider. It is a popular brand of cider that is made primarily from fermented apple juice.
What type of cider is Strongbow?
Strongbow is a brand of cider that falls under the category of dry or semi-dry cider. It is known for its crisp, refreshing taste and is typically made from a blend of bittersweet and culinary apples.
Are Magners and Strongbow the same?
No, Magners and Strongbow are not the same. While both are popular cider brands, they have different origins and distinct flavor profiles. Magners is an Irish cider known for its crisp and refreshing taste, made from a blend of 17 apple varieties. On the other hand, Strongbow is a British cider with a slightly drier and more tart flavor, made primarily from bittersweet apples.
What is similar to Strongbow cider?
Similar to Strongbow cider, other popular cider brands include:
1. Bulmers: Bulmers is another well-known cider brand, particularly in the United Kingdom and Ireland. It offers a range of flavors, including original apple, pear, and fruit variants.
2. Magners: Magners is an Irish cider brand that is often compared to Strongbow. It is known for its refreshing and crisp taste, offering a range of apple and fruit flavors.
3. Woodchuck: Woodchuck is an American cider brand that offers a variety of flavors, from traditional apple to more unique options like raspberry and pumpkin. It is widely available in the United States.
4. Angry Orchard: Angry Orchard is a popular cider brand in the United States, known for its wide range of flavors and styles. It offers both traditional apple ciders and innovative fruit-infused options.
5. Crispin: Crispin is a cider brand that focuses on using high-quality ingredients and unique flavor combinations. It offers a range of ciders, including original apple, pear, and various fruit-infused options.
These brands offer a similar cider experience to Strongbow, providing a refreshing and flavorful alternative for cider enthusiasts.
What flavour is Strongbow original cider?
Strongbow original cider is known for its crisp and refreshing apple flavor.
